SHIPBOARD ETIQUETTE

All guests embarking on the Norwegian Gem, August 22-29, 2025 (On the Blue Cruise) have agreed that by doing so they accept and abide by the Shipboard Etiquette as described below. This Shipboard Etiquette summarizes and repeats terms that Passengers have already received and agreed to at the time of your booking, as part of the Terms & Conditions and Passenger Ticket Contract provided to passengers by On the Blue Cruise (OTBC), On the Blue Cruises, Inc. (OTB), and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The purpose of providing you with this Shipboard Etiquette is simply to foster a shipboard environment in which all Passengers can have a wonderful Cruise experience. 


GUEST BEHAVIOR

OTB and NCL have a Zero Tolerance Policy and will not permit behavior by any On the Blue Cruise Passenger (“You”, “Passenger”, or “Passengers”) which negatively impacts the comfort, enjoyment, health, safety or well-being of other Passengers, its performers and/or staff, or the ship’s crew. In addition, violent, abusive, or disrespectful behavior caused by the use of alcohol and/or an illegal substance shall not be tolerated. Passengers agree to comply with this policy, and further acknowledge that OTB and NCL reserve the right to refuse or discontinue passage to any Passenger who, in OTB and/or NCL’S sole judgment, is conducting himself or herself in a manner that adversely affects the cruise experience of other Passengers. This also includes but is not limited to: spousal abuse or violence directed at a family member. In all cases, OTB and NCL shall not be liable for any damages, refund, or other compensation, including travel costs or any other claim, as a result of such behavior.


You acknowledge and understand that producing musical performances/productions and appearances on a cruise ship involves building a stage, installing lighting and sound equipment, and setting up other related equipment, including wiring and electrical equipment. OTB will use good faith efforts to do this in a safe manner. Nevertheless, you are directed to stay away from and not touch any such materials or equipment, as improper use or interference with such materials or equipment can result in injuries to your person, including, but not limited to falls. In addition, you are solely responsible to avoid any contact whatsoever, whether purposeful, inadvertent, or accidental, with any performance, production, or appearance related materials or equipment that may be present in the general vicinity of the staging areas around the ship. As set forth below, OTB, NCL, and the Released Parties shall have no responsibility or liability for any injuries you suffer as a result of your purposeful, inadvertent, or accidental contact with such materials or equipment.


PASSENGER CONDUCT; RULES

During the Cruise, Passenger shall abide by and conduct him/herself in accordance with all rules, regulations, and directions of OTB and/or NCL (the “Rules”), including the Rules set forth in these Terms & Conditions and the Rules of which Passenger is made aware during the Cruise (including all COVID-19 safety/health protocols). The Rules include, but are not limited to, the following: during a performance, presentation, question and answer session, or other event, Passenger shall not (i) attempt to move onto a stage on which any artist is performing, (ii) climb onto poles or other structures near the stage, (iii) throw anything onto or towards the stage, or (iv) do anything that may interfere with a performance, with the audience’s enjoyment of the performance, or with the safety of any person. Passenger acknowledges that there may be security personnel present at performances to enforce the Rules and to protect the performers and the enjoyment of the performances by the audience. Passenger agrees to immediately comply with the requests of security personnel.


Additionally, during the Cruise, including all performances and events, it is forbidden for Passengers to:

(a) try to access areas or sections during performances that are restricted to certain ticket holders unless your ticket permits such access (i.e., VIP areas, backstage areas, artists’ lounges); 

(b) climb onto ladders, tables, fences, lighting equipment (including towers and columns), sound equipment, or other equipment related to performances; 

(c) obstruct entrances and exits to the performance areas or fail to move out of an area if directed by security; 

(d) wear a disguise to avoid being recognized at a Cruise event if Passenger has been barred from attending such event; 

(e) wear clothing, hold up signs, harass or abuse other passengers (whether physically or emotionally), make gestures, or otherwise do anything that in the reasonable discretion of OTB, NCL or security personnel are xenophobic, offensive, pornographic, illegal, discriminatory, or racially motivated;

(f) be under the influence of illegal drugs or substances and/or act in a way to reasonably cause security personnel to believe that you are in an impaired state (such as being inebriated); 

(g) disturb the enjoyment of the Cruise by other passengers or compromise the safety of any person; 

(h) throw or shoot any object in a manner that may be harmful to others or that may interfere with the enjoyment of the Cruise by another person; 

(i) refuse to follow the directions of security personnel; 

(j) litter in any fashion; or

(k) steal any possessions of any person or entity.


In the event of a violation of the Rules or these Terms & Conditions by Passenger during a performance and/or the Cruise, Passenger acknowledges that security personnel will act quickly to protect the artists, other passengers, and cruise and OTB personnel, and to prevent Passenger from disrupting the performance or creating safety issues for others. Such action may include prohibiting Passenger from attending Cruise performances and events, and/or removal from the Cruise. Passenger hereby irrevocably releases OTB and/or NCL from any injuries, claims or losses suffered by Passenger as a result of the actions of security or other personnel (including physical acts) or actions of other passengers in the event of Passenger’s violation of these Rules or Terms & Conditions.


Passenger shall not put any person in danger for their safety or well-being or engage in a fight or other altercation with any person, onboard the Cruise.


In the event of a disruption of a performance by Passenger in violation of the Rules, or a fight in which Passenger is a participant, OTB and/or NCL shall have the right, in its discretion, to remove Passenger from the performance, to bar Passenger from future performances during the Cruise, to remove Passenger from the Cruise at any port (at Passenger’s sole expense), and/or to ban Passenger from attending any future NCL or OTB cruises and/or events (including a cruise or event run by any companies affiliated with NCL or OTB). In the event of any other violation of these Standard Terms and Conditions or Passenger Rules by Passenger, OTB and/or NCL shall have the right, in their discretion, to remove Passenger from the Cruise at any port (at Passenger’s sole expense) and/or to ban Passenger from attending any future NCL or OTB cruises (including a cruise by any companies affiliated with NCL or OTB).

SMOKING

As the health and well-being of guests and crew are of the utmost importance, indoor public areas, with the exception of the cigar lounges and the casino, throughout all NCL ships are smoke-free. Dedicated outdoor areas are assigned to smoking as are indicated onboard. Passengers must follow all NCL rules regarding smoking.


ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

OTB has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use, possession, purchase, or distribution of illegal controlled substances. Any violation of this policy will result in disembarkation from the vessel as well as the responsible individuals being turned over to the local law enforcement officials for appropriate legal action, in OTB’s discretion. In such cases, no refund shall be given, and OTB and NCL shall not be liable for any refund or other compensation or damages.


INTENTIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL

OTB and NCL have a "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding intentional damage to the vessel or accidental damage to the vessel as a result of general negligence, alcohol intoxication or the influence of an illegal substance. Passengers causing any such damage agree to pay for identified damage prior to disembarking the vessel. All passengers must agree to comply with this policy, and further acknowledge that any violation of this policy may result in disembarkation from the vessel. All passengers acknowledge that it is OTB and NCL’s policy to report incidents of illegal activity or behavior to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for appropriate legal action. In such cases, OTB and NCL shall not be liable for any damages, refund or other compensation, including travel costs or any other claim as a result of such behavior.


PHOTO POLICY FOR PASSENGERS; PHOTO EXPERIENCES

Guests may be permitted to take photos onboard the cruise and during performances with small, non-professional digital cameras and cell phones. Out of respect for our performers and your fellow guests, we ask that you please NOT use flash during shows. Professional quality cameras with detachable lenses and video specific cameras are strictly prohibited. In addition, any and all videotaping or audio recording of performances, appearances, Q&As, etc. is prohibited.


The Cruise may include one or more “Photo Experience” scheduled by OTB where Passengers may have a photograph taken with a musical artist by a photographer provided by OTB during a scheduled time period. The allotted time period may not allow all interested Passengers to have their picture taken with the artist(s), and Passengers shall respect the time limitations. For each Photo Experience, Passengers agree to abide by the following rules in connection with each Photo Experience:


  1. Passengers will line up in orderly fashion to wait to have their photo taken, and will follow the instructions of OTB staff to facilitate allowing as many Passengers as possible to have their picture taken with the artist(s);
  2. Passengers shall only go through the line once, and there shall only be one photograph taken of the Passenger per artist/band;     
  3. Passengers will refrain from making small talk with the artist to facilitate moving the line along so others can have their pictures taken;
  4. Passengers will not take their own pictures, or have anyone take pictures other than the photographer provided by OTB, of their Photo Experience (no taking of pictures by personal cameras or phone); 
  5. Passengers will not ask artists for autographs during the Photo Experience to facilitate moving the line along so others can have their pictures taken; 
  6. To enable as many Passengers as possible to have their picture taken with the artist(s), and to respect the time and privacy of the artist(s), Passengers shall not linger or loiter at the Photo Experience venue before or after their photograph is taken; and 
  7. Once the scheduled time period for the Photo Experience has ended, Passengers will disburse in peaceful fashion and leave the Photo Experience venue, even if there was not time to take Passenger’s photograph with the artist(s).


COVID-19 (AND OTHER DISEASES) PROVISIONS

As of July, 2024 – Vaccination of passengers against COVID-19 (including boosters), is NOT currently required before boarding the Cruise. In addition, guests (regardless of vaccination status) are NOT currently required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, though this is subject to change based on revisions to NCL and/or CDC guidelines. 

However, On the Blue Cruise staff and guests will be required to follow any and all health & safety protocols that have been put in place by NCL, the CDC and/or state and local governments within our itinerary at the time of our sailing. This applies to COVID-19 and beyond. Guests understand that these protocols are subject to change at any time and all guests must comply or they will be denied boarding. This includes, but is not limited to vaccinations required, testing requirements, and masking.


For the safety of passengers and crew, OTB and NCL will endeavor to comply with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Cruise to the extent practicable. You agree to comply with all standards of conduct, rules and regulations, protocols, and travel restrictions imposed by OTB and/or NCL (whether imposed before or during the Cruise) in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other diseases, including, without limitation, the following (and which are subject to change based on CDC recommendations):

     

  1.  While vaccination is not currently required, this is subject to change based on CDC recommendations.
  2. While testing prior to embarkation is not currently required, this is subject to change based on CDC recommendations.
  3. Submit to COVID screening and/or testing at any time during the Cruise, including prior to boarding and/or re-boarding.
  4. If requested at any time by OTB and/or NCL for safety purposes, practice social distancing on board the ship at all times, including during musical performances (i.e., maintain at least 6 feet of separation between you and crew, performers, and guests not in your family/party).
  5. Wash your hands frequently.
  6. Conform to rules that limit the size of crowds and audiences on the Cruise.
  7. Report any illness or symptoms to OTB.
  8.  While masks are not currently required, this is subject to change based on CDC recommendations.


For the safety of persons on the Cruise, if Passenger believes he/she has contracted COVID-19 during the Cruise, Passenger shall report this to the OTB Hospitality Desk. Similarly, if Passenger tests positive for COVID-19 within 3 weeks after the end of the Cruise, Passenger is requested to advise OTB by emailing the Reservations Team at: reservations@onthebluecruise.com, so that OTB can comply with appropriate health-authority guidelines.


If Passenger tests positive for COVID-19 while on the Cruise, Passenger agrees to follow procedures established by OTB and NCL to ensure the safety of other persons on the ship, including but not limited to, quarantining of Passenger for the remainder of the Cruise.


If a threshold level of COVID-19 or other diseases that the vessel Master or NCL deems unsafe to passengers is detected onboard the Cruise ship during your voyage, the voyage will end immediately, the ship will return to the port of embarkation, and your subsequent travel, including your return home, may be restricted, or delayed. Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions are constantly evolving and are subject to change without notice.


VIOLATIONS

In the event of a violation of the Shipboard Etiquette or the Terms & Conditions and/or Passenger Contract by Passenger during the Cruise, Passenger acknowledges that security personnel will act quickly to protect the artists, crew, and other Passengers, and to prevent Passenger from disrupting the performance or creating safety issues for others. Such action may include prohibiting Passenger from attending Cruise performances and events, and/or removing Passenger from the Cruise, at Passenger’s sole expense and responsibility.


RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Consistent with what you agreed as part of the Terms & Conditions for the Cruise, you irrevocably release and hold harmless OTB, NCL, and their respective affiliates, employees, officers, shareholders, owners, and representatives (collectively the “Released Parties”) from and against any liability, damages, claims, and costs (including medical and travel costs) that may be incurred as a result of your violating the terms of the Terms & Conditions, including the terms that are repeated in this Shipboard Etiquette. 

Bronze VIP

  • Interior Stateroom Deck 10 or 11
  • 3rd Priority Assigned Seating* for select concerts in the Theater
  • 3rd Priority VIP Priority Entrance into all unassigned seating shows
  • VIP Entry to all Photo Experiences
  • On the Blue Cruise VIP Gifts
  • On the Blue Cruise Bronze VIP Credentials

SILVER VIP

  • Club Balcony Stateroom
  • 2nd Priority Assigned Seating* for select concerts in the Theater
  • 2nd Priority VIP Priority Entrance into all unassigned seating shows
  • 2nd Priority VIP Entry to all Photo Experiences
  • On the Blue Cruise VIP Gifts
  • On the Blue Cruise Silver VIP Credentials

GOLD VIP

  • Penthouse or Haven Suite**
  • 1st Priority Assigned Seating* for select concerts in the Theater
  • 1st Priority VIP Priority Entrance into all unassigned seating shows
  • 1st Priority VIP Entry to all Photo Experiences
  • On the Blue Cruise VIP Gifts
  • On the Blue Cruise Gold VIP Credentials

*Gold VIP is included for all Penthouse with Large Balcony Aft/Forward, 2-Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite, Haven Courtyard Penthouse, Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa, the Haven Owner’s Suite, and the Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suite.

**Seating will be assigned based on the timestamp of your booking within each category and in the order listed below:

  1. Gold VIP in order of timestamp on the reservation.
  2. Silver VIP in order of timestamp on the reservation.
  3. Bronze VIP in order of order of timestamp on the reservation.